Wendy Morton Portrait

Wendy Morton

Conservative - Aldridge-Brownhills

4,294 (10.5%) majority - 2024 General Election

First elected: 7th May 2015

Shadow Minister (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

(since November 2024)

Speaker's Conference (2022)
19th Jan 2023 - 30th May 2024
Backbench Business Committee
27th Nov 2023 - 30th May 2024
Speaker's Conference
19th Jan 2023 - 30th May 2024
Backbench Business Committee
21st Nov 2022 - 26th Oct 2023
Child Support Collection (Domestic Abuse) Bill
8th Dec 2022 - 14th Dec 2022
Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Chief Whip)
6th Sep 2022 - 25th Oct 2022
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
9th Feb 2022 - 6th Sep 2022
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
19th Dec 2021 - 9th Feb 2022
Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Bill
2nd Feb 2022 - 9th Feb 2022
Motor Vehicles (Compulsory Insurance) Bill
5th Jan 2022 - 5th Jan 2022
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
2nd Sep 2020 - 19th Dec 2021
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) (Joint with the Department for International Development)
13th Feb 2020 - 2nd Sep 2020
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)
26th Jul 2019 - 13th Feb 2020
Assistant Whip (HM Treasury)
9th Jan 2018 - 26th Jul 2019
Committees on Arms Export Controls
10th Feb 2016 - 3rd May 2017
International Development Committee
8th Jul 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Regulatory Reform
12th Oct 2015 - 3rd May 2017
Committees on Arms Export Controls (formerly Quadripartite Committee)
10th Feb 2016 - 3rd May 2017
Backbench Business Committee
13th Jun 2016 - 31st Oct 2016


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Wendy Morton has voted in 36 divisions, and never against the majority of their Party.
View All Wendy Morton Division Votes

Debates during the 2024 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Andrew Mitchell (Conservative)
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) (Minister for Development)
(6 debate interactions)
Lindsay Hoyle (Speaker)
(6 debate interactions)
Louise Haigh (Labour)
(4 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
HM Treasury
(11 debate contributions)
Department for Transport
(6 debate contributions)
Ministry of Justice
(4 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Wendy Morton's debates

Aldridge-Brownhills Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petitions with highest Aldridge-Brownhills signature proportion
Petitions with most Aldridge-Brownhills signatures
Wendy Morton has not participated in any petition debates

Latest EDMs signed by Wendy Morton

2nd September 2024
Wendy Morton signed this EDM on Monday 2nd September 2024

Social Security

Tabled by: Rishi Sunak (Conservative - Richmond and Northallerton)
That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024 (S.I., 2024, No. 869), dated 22 August 2024, a copy of which was laid before this House on 22 August 2024, be annulled.
81 signatures
(Most recent: 10 Sep 2024)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 75
Independent: 3
Democratic Unionist Party: 2
Scottish National Party: 1
21st December 2017
Wendy Morton signed this EDM on Thursday 21st December 2017

BIRMINGHAM FOR COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2022

Tabled by: Caroline Spelman (Conservative - Meriden)
That this House celebrates the news that Birmingham has been chosen to be the venue for the 2022 Commonwealth Games; recognises the way the leaders of the West Midlands Combined Authority and hon. Members have worked together to secure this important achievement for our region; congratulates Andy Street, West Midlands …
11 signatures
(Most recent: 28 Feb 2018)
Signatures by party:
Conservative: 6
Democratic Unionist Party: 2
Scottish National Party: 2
Labour: 1
View All Wendy Morton's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Wendy Morton, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


Wendy Morton has not been granted any Urgent Questions

1 Adjournment Debate led by Wendy Morton

Wednesday 4th September 2024

5 Bills introduced by Wendy Morton


A Bill to extend public access to certain local audit documents under section 26 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 27th April 2017 and was enacted into law.


A Bill to make provision for, and in connection with, the removal of the Secretary of State’s powers under the National Health Service Act 2006 to appoint trustees; to make provision transferring to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity the right to a royalty conferred by Schedule 6 to the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988; and for connected purposes.

This Bill received Royal Assent on 23rd March 2016 and was enacted into law.


A Bill to provide that ​Crown tenancies may be assured tenancies for the purposes of the Housing Act 1988, subject to certain exceptions; to modify the assured tenancies regime in relation to certain Crown tenancies; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 60%

Last Event - Committee Debate: House Of Commons
Wednesday 1st March 2017
(Read Debate)

A Bill to regulate works on certain highways in England by making provision about weekend and bank holiday working and provision about removal of traffic lights and other traffic management measures after the completion of works.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Monday 4th July 2016

A Bill to place a duty on local highways agencies and local transport authorities to make provisions safeguarding wildlife on roads passing through, or adjacent to, specified protected areas; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Monday 4th July 2016

1 Bill co-sponsored by Wendy Morton

Offensive Weapons Bill 2023-24
Sponsor - Helen Hayes (Lab)


Latest 34 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
23rd Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of applying zero rate Society Lotteries to a compulsory levy for problem gambling.

Society lotteries are a vital fundraising tool for many charities, community groups, sports clubs and other non-commercial organisations.

The Government is committed to reviewing the best available evidence from a wide range of sources and working with all stakeholders in order to support the industry and ensure there are robust protections in place to protect those at risk.

We will provide further updates to the House soon.

Stephanie Peacock
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
11th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the weight-based model for calculating extender producer responsibility fees.

The Government has now published a first set of pEPR illustrative base fees. We are assessing industry’s feedback, including on the importance of accounting for the weight and volume of packaging materials, to ensure our methodology is based on the best available evidence to date.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
11th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of the introduction of a bottle deposit and return scheme in England.

This Government is committed to delivering the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in October 2027, as agreed with the devolved Governments of the UK, and in accordance with the Joint Policy Statement published in April 2024.

The DRS will reduce litter, increase recycling rates, create high quality recyclate for producers and promote a circular economy.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
10th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Extender Producer Responsibility scheme on sustainable glass producers.

The 2022 Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) impact assessment made an assessment of the impact of introducing the scheme on packaging producers as a whole. This impact assessment covers glass, but does not split the assessment by sector. The Government has now published a first set of pEPR illustrative base fees and is undertaking engagement with all relevant industries to ensure that they are based on the best evidence to date. As part of this engagement, impact on specific packaging sectors is being discussed.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
10th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of new illustrative fees for the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme on glass as an infinitely recyclable material.

The 2022 Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) impact assessment made an assessment of the impact of introducing the scheme on packaging producers as a whole. This impact assessment covers glass, but does not split the assessment by sector. The Government has now published a first set of pEPR illustrative base fees and is undertaking engagement with all relevant industries to ensure that they are based on the best evidence to date. As part of this engagement, impact on specific packaging sectors is being discussed.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
10th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he is taking steps to manage the potential impact of implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme on glass manufacturers.

As part of the Government’s commitment to implement Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) and the benefits it will deliver, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is working alongside the Department for Business and Trade to discuss the impact of Extended Producer Responsibility on specific packaging sectors, including glass. We will continue to engage with industry on this matter.

Mary Creagh
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
4th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of determining the sequencing of when train operating companies will be brought into public ownership by their operational performance.

The Government has been clear that passenger train operations will transfer to a public-sector operator as current contracts end or reach their contractual break point, avoiding the need to pay compensation to the current operators. The Secretary of State is considering the timing of the transfer of services under each contract and is continually monitoring performance. She will not hesitate to take appropriate action when operators fall short, up to and including termination if the relevant contractual conditions are met.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the transition from private to public ownership on train operating company investment programmes.

The process of transitioning railway passenger services into public ownership should not impact investment programmes. The vast majority of investment is already funded from public sources under current arrangements. Existing projects will be able to continue unless there is a good reason for review. The Department will work closely with private sector Train Operating Companies and Network Rail during the planning process to understand the position of any relevant investment programmes.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress she has made on securing workforce reform as part of pay talks with the rail industry.

Our railways are broken and need change, but we simply cannot do this until we reset our relationships with unions. The breakthroughs on pay will mark a new era of industrial relations, getting unions and TOCs back around the table, and changing the tone of discussions.

The Department has been clear that in return for a fair pay settlement, this reset in relationships will enable a more collaborative approach on tackling long-standing issues that undermine productivity and reliability on the railways. This includes agreement to work together to address industry-wide matters that will improve the operational resilience of the railway, e.g. development of a new industry driver training competency framework and creation of a new joint advisory committee on new rolling stock procurement relating to cab design.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
30th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans she has for the West Midlands Rail Hub.

Following approval of an Outline Business Case, £123m was released to Network Rail in March 2024 to commence detailed design of Midlands Rail Hub’s first phase (for additional services between Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, and Worcester), while subsequent phases are at an earlier stage of development. Subject to future decisions about affordability and value for money, the first stage could be complete by the early 2030s.

The Chancellor set out on 29 July a range of pressures on public spending, including £2.9 billion of unfunded transport specific spending. Following this, the Secretary of State’s Written Ministerial Statement on 30 July set out that the Department is undertaking an internal review of its capital spend portfolio. This will support the development of our new long-term strategy for transport. Any decisions about the portfolio will be subject to broader discussions and fiscal decisions made at Budget and Spending Review.

Simon Lightwood
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
4th Oct 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to her Answer of 11 September 2024 to Question 2913 on Pension Credit: Take-up, how many full-time equivalent (a) staff, (b) new staff and (c) staff reallocated from other roles in her Department are supporting the programme of activity to increase the number of Pension Credit claims; and for how long additional staff are expected to be allocated to supporting that programme.

Prior to the Winter Fuel announcement, Retirement Services Directorate (RSD) had 352 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) staff deployed on Pension Credit claims. Since the announcement, a deployment plan has been agreed to deploy an additional 537 FTE into RSD to support Pension Credit. With a further 156 FTE planned to onboard from recruitment between November 2024 and January 2025 . Additional staff will remain for as long as necessary to ensure customers will get a decision on their Pension Credit claim.

Emma Reynolds
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
10th Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments on pensioners in Aldridge-Brownhills constituency.

The State Pension is the foundation of income in retirement and will remain so protecting 12 million pensioners through the triple lock. Based on current forecasts, the full rate of the new state pension is set to increase by around £1,700 over the course of this Parliament.

In making a decision on Winter Fuel Payment eligibility, the Government had regard to an equality analysis in line with the Public Sector Equality Duty requirements

Winter Fuel Payments will continue to be paid to pensioner households with someone receiving Pension Credit or certain other income-related benefits. They will continue to be worth £200 for eligible households or £300 for eligible households with someone aged 80 and over.

We know there are low-income pensioners who aren’t claiming Pension Credit, and we urge those people to apply. This will passport them to receive Winter Fuel Payment alongside other benefits – hundreds of pounds that could really help them. We will ensure that the poorest pensioners get the support they need.

The Household Support Fund is also being extended for a further six months, from 1 October 2024 until 31 March 2025.

We are also providing support for pensioners through our Warm Homes Plan which will support investment in insulation and low carbon heating – upgrading millions of homes over this Parliament. Our long-term plan will protect billpayers permanently, reduce fuel poverty, and get the UK back on track to meet our climate goals.

The Warm Home Discount scheme in England and Wales provides eligible low-income households across Great Britain with a £150 rebate on their electricity bill. This winter, we expect over three million households, including over one million pensioners, to benefit under the scheme.

Emma Reynolds
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment of the financial impact of changes to pensioners' eligibility for the Winter Fuel Allowance on pensioners in (a) Aldridge-Brownhills constituency and (b) the UK.

This Government is committed to pensioners – everyone in our society, no matter their working history or savings deserves a comfortable and dignified retirement.

Given the substantial pressures faced by the public finances this year and next, the government has had to make hard choices to bring the public finances back under control.

The Government is committed to a preventative approach to public health. Keeping people warm and well at home and improving the quality of new and existing homes will play an essential part in enabling people to live longer, healthier lives and reducing pressures on the NHS.

The Government is ensuring pensioners are supported through our commitment to protect the Triple Lock, over 12 million pensioners will benefit, with many expected to see their State Pension increase by around a thousand pounds over the next five years.

We are also providing support through our Warm Homes Plan which pensioners will benefit from. This will support investment in insulation and low carbon heating – upgrading millions of homes over this Parliament. Our long-term plan will protect billpayers permanently, reduce fuel poverty, and get the UK back on track to meet our climate goals.

Finally, the Household Support Fund is being extended for a further 6 months, from 1 October 2024 until 31 March 2025.  An additional £500 million will be provided to enable the extension of the HSF, including funding for the Devolved Administrations through the Barnett formula to be spent at their discretion.

Emma Reynolds
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of changes to pensioners' eligibility for the Winter Fuel Allowance on the health and well-being of pensioners in (a) Aldridge-Brownhills constituency and (b) the UK.

This Government is committed to pensioners – everyone in our society, no matter their working history or savings deserves a comfortable and dignified retirement.

Given the substantial pressures faced by the public finances this year and next, the government has had to make hard choices to bring the public finances back under control.

The Government is committed to a preventative approach to public health. Keeping people warm and well at home and improving the quality of new and existing homes will play an essential part in enabling people to live longer, healthier lives and reducing pressures on the NHS.

The Government is ensuring pensioners are supported through our commitment to protect the Triple Lock, over 12 million pensioners will benefit, with many expected to see their State Pension increase by around a thousand pounds over the next five years.

We are also providing support through our Warm Homes Plan which pensioners will benefit from. This will support investment in insulation and low carbon heating – upgrading millions of homes over this Parliament. Our long-term plan will protect billpayers permanently, reduce fuel poverty, and get the UK back on track to meet our climate goals.

Finally, the Household Support Fund is being extended for a further 6 months, from 1 October 2024 until 31 March 2025.  An additional £500 million will be provided to enable the extension of the HSF, including funding for the Devolved Administrations through the Barnett formula to be spent at their discretion.

Emma Reynolds
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing financial support measures for pensioners who are no longer eligible for Winter Fuel Payments.

This government is committed to pensioners – everyone in our society, no matter their working history or savings deserves a comfortable and dignified retirement. Over the next five years, we expect over 12 million pensioners will see their State Pensions increase by thousands of pounds as a result of our commitment to the Triple Lock. Protecting the Triple Lock even in the current economic climate shows our steadfast commitment to pensioners.

We are also providing support through our Warm Homes Plan which pensioners will benefit from. This will support investment in insulation and low carbon heating – upgrading millions of homes over this Parliament. Our long-term plan will protect billpayers permanently, reduce fuel poverty, and get the UK back on track to meet our climate goals.

We know there are low-income pensioners who aren’t claiming Pension Credit, and we urge those people to apply. This will passport them to receive Winter Fuel Payment alongside other benefits – hundreds of pounds that could really help them.

The government will work with external partners and local authorities to boost the uptake of Pension Credit and to target additional support to the poorest pensioners. We will ensure that the poorest pensioners get the support they need.

The Household Support Fund is also being extended for a further six months, from 1 October 2024 until 31 March 2025.  An additional £500 million will be provided to enable the extension of the HSF, including funding for the Devolved Administrations through the Barnett formula to be spent at their discretion.

Our other steps include cutting waiting times in the NHS which will help many pensioners currently waiting in pain and discomfort for treatment, and delivering the economic stability which is so crucial for pensioners.

Emma Reynolds
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department has allocated additional (a) staff and (b) budget to helping to increase the uptake of Pension Credit.

The Department has secured funding for increased staffing and our communications strategy which will support our programme of activity to drive up Pension Credit claims.

The Government is determined to ensure that the poorest pensioners get the support they need. As part of the Pension Credit Week of Action, we joined forces with national charities, broadcasters and local authorities to encourage pensioners to check their eligibility and make a claim.

From 16 September, we will be running a national marketing campaign on a range of channels. The campaign will target potential pension-age customers, as well as friends and family who can encourage and support them to apply.

Our future campaign messaging will also focus on encouraging pensioners to apply for Pension Credit before the 21 December 2024, which is the last date for making a successful backdated claim for Pension Credit in order to receive a Winter Fuel Payment.

We will work with external partners, local authorities and the Devolved Governments to boost the take-up of Pension Credit.

Emma Reynolds
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure pandemic preparedness in the context of the mpox outbreak in Africa.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will continue to keep the global situation and our domestic preparations under close review, and ministers across the Government are working together to coordinate our response.

The UKHSA is engaged with our international partners, including the World Health Organisation, European, American, and African centres for disease control and prevention and national public health agencies, ensuring we receive updates about international cases in a timely fashion.

The Government holds a stock of vaccines to provide vaccinations to protect high-risk individuals during outbreaks. The Government will make further decisions on vaccine procurement as the situation evolves.

The risk to the United Kingdom’s population of being exposed to Mpox clade I is currently considered low. However, planning is underway to prepare for any cases that we might see in the UK. This includes ensuring that clinicians are aware and able to recognise cases promptly, that rapid testing is available, and that protocols are developed for the safe clinical care of people who have the infection and to prevent onward transmission.

Andrew Gwynne
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
3rd Dec 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of Russian interference in the upcoming Ghanaian general election.

Foreign actors, including Russia, attempt to use information manipulation and interference to manipulate social discourse, skew national and international debates on subjects of critical importance, and try to undermine democratic institutions and national security. In Africa, Russia-linked media and influence organisations are using disinformation to garner support for Russian activity and discredit others.

We are working with our African partners to strengthen resilience to malign activity through strategic security and defence relationships alongside humanitarian, development and stabilisation programmes. The UK and Ghana are strong partners and we support the integrity of its elections and strength of its democracy. The UK's approach to supporting Ghana's resilience, including during its elections period, is focused on partnering with civil society, which has an essential role in ensuring a credible and transparent process. The UK's £5 million Ghana Governance Programme is working to support democracy and strong governance. This includes delivering communication and media relations training to counter and tackle mis/disinformation during the election.

During his visit to Ghana in September, Lord Collins met with the President and the two main Presidential candidates and welcomed Ghana's commitment to democracy, highlighting the importance of credible, transparent and inclusive elections.

Anneliese Dodds
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
29th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Mauritius.

After his recent election, the UK sent congratulatory messages to Prime Minister Ramgoolam. The Prime Minister's Special Envoy, Jonathan Powell, then visited Mauritius and met Prime Minister Ramgoolam on 25 November. We look forward to developing our shared priorities with the new Government of Mauritius.

Stephen Doughty
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
30th Aug 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help support countries affected by mpox with access to vaccines.

The UK is second largest donor to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, providing £1.65 billion over 2021-2025. We are working closely with Gavi to enable access to mpox vaccines for the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African countries at risk. The UK have committed £160 million to international partner, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). CEPI and Bavarian Nordic recently announced a clinical trial launching in late 2024 to assess vaccine effectiveness in children in Africa. Lord Collins has announced the additional £3.1 million funding to UNICEF for cholera and mpox response. This will reach 4.4 million people in affected communities.

Anneliese Dodds
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
27th Nov 2024
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to Qs 258-259 of the oral evidence given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the Treasury Select Committee on Wednesday 6 November 2024, what value of Business Property Relief was claimed on farmer's estates for financial year 2021-22.

The Government published information about the reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief at www.gov.uk/government/publications/agricultural-property-relief-and-business-property-relief-reforms. This includes information on claims at death in 2021to 2022 referenced by the Chancellor at the Treasury Select Committee on 6 November 2024.

The Chancellor wrote to the Treasury Select Committee on 15 November 2024, detailing the distribution of claims at death for agricultural property relief with values of business property relief claims added, where an estate has also claimed business property relief. This letter has been published at https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/45691/documents/226235/default/.

James Murray
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
27th Nov 2024
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to Qs 258-259 of the oral evidence given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the Treasury Select Committee on Wednesday 6 November 2024, whether the figures quoted in her answers related only to Agricultural Property Relief and did not include Business property Relief claimed by farmers for the same period.

The Government published information about the reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief at www.gov.uk/government/publications/agricultural-property-relief-and-business-property-relief-reforms. This includes information on claims at death in 2021to 2022 referenced by the Chancellor at the Treasury Select Committee on 6 November 2024.

The Chancellor wrote to the Treasury Select Committee on 15 November 2024, detailing the distribution of claims at death for agricultural property relief with values of business property relief claims added, where an estate has also claimed business property relief. This letter has been published at https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/45691/documents/226235/default/.

James Murray
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
26th Nov 2024
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of changes to (a) Agricultural Property Relief and (b) Business Property Relief on trends in the sale of agricultural land assets.

The Government published information about the reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief at www.gov.uk/government/publications/agricultural-property-relief-and-business-property-relief-reforms.

It is expected that up to around 2,000 estates will be affected by the changes to APR and BPR in 2026-27, with around half of those being claims that involve AIM shares. Almost three-quarters of estates claiming agricultural property relief (including those claiming agricultural property relief and business property relief together) each year are expected to be unaffected by these reforms.

In accordance with standard practice, a tax information and impact note will be published alongside the draft legislation before the relevant Finance Bill.

James Murray
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
26th Nov 2024
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief on (a) arable, (b) livestock and (c) hill farms.

The Government published information about the reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief at www.gov.uk/government/publications/agricultural-property-relief-and-business-property-relief-reforms.

It is expected that up to around 2,000 estates will be affected by the changes to APR and BPR in 2026-27, with around half of those being claims that involve AIM shares. Almost three-quarters of estates claiming agricultural property relief (including those claiming agricultural property relief and business property relief together) each year are expected to be unaffected by these reforms.

In accordance with standard practice, a tax information and impact note will be published alongside the draft legislation before the relevant Finance Bill.

James Murray
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
26th Nov 2024
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to (a) agricultural property relief and (b) business property relief announced in the Autumn Budget 2024 on (i) abattoirs, (ii) butchers, (iii) agricultural retailers, (iv) agricultural machinery retailers and (v) other agriculture-related businesses.

The Government published information about the reforms to agricultural property relief and business property relief at www.gov.uk/government/publications/agricultural-property-relief-and-business-property-relief-reforms.

It is expected that up to around 2,000 estates will be affected by the changes to APR and BPR in 2026-27, with around half of those being claims that involve AIM shares. Almost three-quarters of estates claiming agricultural property relief (including those claiming agricultural property relief and business property relief together) each year are expected to be unaffected by these reforms.

In accordance with standard practice, a tax information and impact note will be published alongside the draft legislation before the relevant Finance Bill.

James Murray
Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many asylum hotels were in operation on (a) 1 January, (b) 4 July and (c) 31 August 2024.

The government is determined to restore order to the asylum system so that it operates swiftly, firmly, and fairly including reducing the use of hotels over time. Additionally, the government will be reviewing current Home Office arrangements to ensure efficiency and deliver value for money.

Data on the number of supported asylum seekers in accommodation, including hotels, can be found within the Asy_D11 tab for our most recent statistics release: Immigration system statistics data tables - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

The Home Office remains committed to engaging with local authorities and key stakeholders as part of the process to accommodate asylum seekers.

Angela Eagle
Minister of State (Home Office)
2nd Sep 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate her Department has made of the number of hotels that will be required to accommodate asylum seekers in the period between now and the end of 2024.

The government is determined to restore order to the asylum system so that it operates swiftly, firmly, and fairly including reducing the use of hotels over time. Additionally, the government will be reviewing current Home Office arrangements to ensure efficiency and deliver value for money.

Data on the number of supported asylum seekers in accommodation, including hotels, can be found within the Asy_D11 tab for our most recent statistics release: Immigration system statistics data tables - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

The Home Office remains committed to engaging with local authorities and key stakeholders as part of the process to accommodate asylum seekers.

Angela Eagle
Minister of State (Home Office)
27th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will take steps to ensure the provision of adequate funding to support (a) up-to-date local plans and (b) high-quality design codes.

Within weeks of taking office, the government consulted on increasing planning fees to put planning services on a firmer footing and to reflect the real costs of the services they provide.

Subject to the outcome of our consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework, the government will provide funding to enable eligible local authorities to progress their plans to examination quickly. Further details on the funding will be provided in due course.

More generally, the government is committed to supporting local planning authorities. At the Budget, the Chancellor announced a £46 million package of investment into the planning system to support capacity and capability in local planning authorities. This includes funding for the recruitment and training of 300 graduate and apprentice planners, along with funding to Public Practice for the recruitment of planners, architects, and urban designers. Together, this framework provides a clear basis for the delivery of more high-quality, well-designed homes.

We are also developing a wider programme of support, working with partners across the planning sector, to ensure that local planning authorities have the skills and capacity they need, both now and in the future to modernise local plans and speed up decision making, including through innovative use of digital planning data and software.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
27th Nov 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department plans to utilise architects to allow development of complex brownfield sites in proposed National Planning Policy Framework reforms.

National planning policy sets out the circumstances in which the development of brownfield land is considered appropriate, and the standards that are expected, including a high quality of design. It does not specify the professions which should be involved, which is a matter for the client, but is important that a range of disciplines is brought to bear as appropriate to the nature of the site, and architects will often play a key role. We have set out proposals for how brownfield development could be better supported in our consultation on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework and our discussion paper on ‘brownfield passports’.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
30th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the infrastructure (a) requirements and (b) costs of her proposed housing reforms.

As set out in the National Planning Policy Framework, the purpose of the planning system is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development, including the provision of supporting infrastructure in a sustainable manner.

Local development plans should address needs and opportunities in relation to infrastructure and identify what infrastructure is required and how it can be funded and brought forward. This will remain the case irrespective of whether any proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework or wider national planning policy are taken forward.

When preparing a Local Plan, Planning Practice Guidance recommends that local planning authorities use available evidence of infrastructure requirements to prepare an Infrastructure Funding Statement. Such Statements can be used to demonstrate the delivery of infrastructure throughout the plan-period.

The Government provides financial support for essential infrastructure in areas of greatest housing demand through the Housing Infrastructure Fund.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
30th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to ensure that brownfield land is prioritised for development through full financing on brownfield reclamation.

The Government invests billions of pounds to reclaim brownfield land and make it available for new housing and the creation of employment floor space. Funding is provided through a range of programmes including the £1.5 billion Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land Fund, the £610 million Brownfield Housing Fund and the £180 million Brownfield Land Release Fund. These programmes unlock sites across the country that the private sector alone will not deliver, often because they are too contaminated, too large, or need a significant amount of upfront public investment to cover the additional costs associated with the reclamation of brownfield land and bringing it back into productive use.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
30th Jul 2024
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether she plans to bring forward legislative proposals to implement her proposed changes to planning policy on the green belt within the National Planning Policy Framework.

The Government set out details of proposed reforms relating to brownfield, grey belt, and the Green Belt in the consultation on our approach to revising the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system that began on Tuesday 30 July and closes on Tuesday 24 September.

Matthew Pennycook
Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)